Dispersants having biobased compounds

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to compositions having lecithin and an organic acid and related methods. The disclosed compositions may also include one or more co-surfactants such as anionic surfactants and/or non-ionic surfactants, and may be used as a dispersant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/075,452, filed Mar. 21, 2016 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,517,442, whichitself claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/074,984,filed Nov. 8, 2013 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,315,652, which itself claimspriority to International Application No. PCT/US2012/037241, filed May10, 2012, which itself claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/484,293, filed May 10, 2011, each of the contents of the entiretyof which are incorporated herein by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to dispersants comprising lecithinand uses thereof. The present disclosure is also directed to methods forthe preparation of such dispersants and uses of the dispersants.

BACKGROUND

Dispersants and latexes have utility in applications such as papercoatings, colors, paints, and adhesives, as well as coatings for paper,metal, and the pharmaceutical industry. Although dispersants account foronly a few percent of the total composition of paints and coatingformulations, the dispersants play a critical role in the performance ofsuch paints and coating formulations. The dispersants provide colorstability and maximize pigment opacity by increasing the exposed surfacearea of the pigment particles, thus increasing coverage while reducingcosts.

Dispersion is a complex process which involves variables including thechemistries of the solvent, resin, and pigments involved. Changes inthese chemistries are associated with changes in the rheology and theresultant dispersant technology. Steric and electrostatic forces canstabilize pigment dispersions and are often accomplished with anionicand nonionic surfactants and their resulting effects on the pigmentsurface. These surfactants are easy to use, inexpensive, and effectiveat low concentrations. But, anionic surfactants are pH and saltsensitive. Adsorption of non-ionic surfactants is pH and saltinsensitive, but such non-ionic surfactants need to be used in largeamounts to be effective.

Other dispersant technologies use hyperdispersants which have highermolecular weights than traditional, surfactant-like dispersants. Onetype of such hyperdispersants are polymeric dispersants which have ananchoring group in their molecule that absorbs at the surface of thepigments and a polymeric chain that provides a steric stabilizationbarrier around the pigment particle. Although the polymeric dispersantsabsorb onto the dispersed pigments, such dispersants provide littlewetting and emulsifying properties. Such dispersants are attractive issome water based-formulations because less foaming often results ascompared to the surfactant-like dispersants.

Phosphate esters are often used in conjunction with dispersanttechnologies and are considered auxiliary dispersants since suchphosphate esters are not used by themselves. The phosphate estersprovide assistance with stabilization through steric interactions withthe pigment particles.

Apart from the abilities of wetting and dispersing, dispersants alsoneed to stabilize the suspended particles or the suspended particleswill re-agglomerate. This stabilization is critical and difficult toaccomplish, but when achieved, provides a colorant with a longer shelflife, improved color, gloss, and color compatibility.

One surfactant that exhibits these desirable dispersant properties isanionic phosphate esters which have a phosphate moiety as a head group.The anionic phosphate esters are synthesized with phosphoric acidderivatives and alcohol and have some residual phosphoric acid resultingin a pH as low as two. Anionic phosphate esters are often available infree acid form. The presence of the phosphate group in a formulation fora wetting or dispersing agent enhances the gloss and color acceptanceproperty of a pigment in paint, reduces a viscosity increase due toaging of the paint, improves surface wetting, and provides a stabledispersion.

With the growing need for more biobased additives that can replacepetroleum based products based on the desire for “greener” products, aneed exists for biobased products that can be used in dispersants,coatings, and latex type products where the biobased products fulfillall the desired characteristics of the petroleum based counterparts.

SUMMARY

In each of its various embodiments, the present invention fulfills theseneeds and discloses a biobased product that can be used as a dispersant.

In one embodiment, a composition in the form of a nano-dispersion,comprises a lecithin, an acid, and water.

In another embodiment, a dispersant composition in the form of anano-emulsion comprises an organic solvent having a dielectric constantof between 2 and 35, lecithin, and water.

In a further embodiment, a process for producing a product in the formof a nano-dispersion comprises mixing lecithin with an organic solventhaving a dielectric constant of between 2 and 35, and mixing water withthe organic solvent and the lecithin.

In other embodiments, uses of the compositions of the present inventionas dispersants and methods of dispersing compounds are also disclosed.

It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to theembodiments disclosed in this Summary, and it is intended to covermodifications that are within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure may bebetter understood by reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows the densities of dispersants of various embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of properties of paint producedusing an embodiment of a dispersant of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows the color of paint produced using various embodiments ofdispersants of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a color comparison of a paint produced with one embodimentof a dispersant of the present invention as compared to paints producedwith other dispersants.

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of properties of paint producedusing an embodiment of a dispersant of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows the color of paint produced using various embodiments ofdispersants of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows the color of paint produced using various embodiments ofdispersants of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of properties of paint producedusing an embodiment of a dispersant of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows the color of paint produced using various embodiments ofdispersants of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows the color of paint produced using various embodiments ofdispersants of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows the color of paint produced using various embodiments ofdispersants of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a graphical representation of properties of paint producedusing an embodiment of a dispersant of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a graphical representation of properties of paint producedusing an embodiment of a dispersant of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows the color of paint produced using various embodiments ofdispersants of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a graphical representation of properties of paint producedusing an embodiment of a dispersant of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows the color of paint produced using various embodiments ofdispersants of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present application, including the claims, other than in theoperating examples or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressingquantities or characteristics are to be understood as being modified inall instances by the term “about”. Unless indicated to the contrary, anynumerical parameters set forth in the following description may varydepending on the desired properties in the compositions and methodsaccording to the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as anattempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to thescope of the claims, each numerical parameter described in the presentdescription should at least be construed in light of the number ofreported significant digits and by applying ordinary roundingtechniques.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialdoes not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, thedisclosure set forth herein supersedes any conflicting materialincorporated herein by reference.

The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to compositions andmethods that comprise a composition comprising a lecithin and an organicsolvent that forms a nano-dispersion. In one embodiment, thenano-dispersions described herein self-assemble, are thermodynamicallystable, and may have a mean particle size of less than one micron. Invarious embodiments, the composition is a blend of lecithin in amountsranging from 5% to 95% by weight of the disclosed compositions, and incertain embodiments from 70% to 95%; and the organic solvent in amountsranging from 5% to 95% by weight of the disclosed compositions, and incertain embodiments from 5% to 30%.

Lecithin is a lipid substance found in animal and plant tissues such as,for example, egg yolk, soybean, and canola or rapeseed. Lecithinincludes various constituents including, but not limited to,phospholipids, such as, for example, phosphatidyl choline (“PC”),phosphatidyl inositol (“PI”), and phosphatidyl ethanolamine (“PE”). Theamphiphilic properties of lecithin makes it an effective processing aid,emulsifier, dispersant and/or surfactant. Lecithin is also a naturalingredient than can form nanodispersions in aqueous mediums and carryhigh loads of actives. But, in such aqueous mediums, lecithin tends tohave limited tolerance to pH and electrolytes.

Lecithin may be used in applications where modification of the boundarylayer between substances is desirable. In the presence of immiscibleliquid phase, lecithin can reduce the interfacial surface tension andfunction as an emulsifier. When used with two or more solid phases,lecithin can function as a lubricant and/or release agent.

In one embodiment, a lecithin based product of the present invention hasutility in a dispersant formulation is stable at a low pH, such as downto two, and when used in an aqueous dispersion, the lecithin basedproduct remains stable up to a pH often, and also remains stable in highamounts of silicates and electrolytes (up to 40% calcium chloride)without breaking the emulsion.

It has been found that the combination of lecithin and one or moreorganic solvents results in aqueous compositions having reducedviscosity as compared to conventional lecithin. The reduction inviscosity allows for increased applicability of lecithin as a dispersantin aqueous and non-aqueous systems. The disclosed lecithin-organicsolvent compositions may be formulated to provide a desirable viscosityprofile for numerous applications, such as, for example, pigmentdispersion vehicles in paints, inks, and other coatings. In variousembodiments, the disclosed lecithin-acidifier compositions have aviscosity of less than 1500 centipoise. In other embodiments, thedisclosed lecithin-acidifier compositions have a viscosity of less than1200 centipoise, less than 500 centipoise, or less than 100 centipoise.

Lecithins suitable for use in the disclosed compositions and methodsinclude, but are not limited to, crude filtered lecithin, fluidlecithin, de-oiled lecithin, chemically and/or enzymatically modifiedlecithin, standardized lecithin, and blends of any thereof. Lecithinsemployed in the present disclosure generally tend to have ahydrophilic-lipophilic balance (“HLB”) value ranging from 1.0 to 10.0depending on the processing conditions and additives used to obtain andproduce the lecithin product. For example, crude filtered lecithin hasan HLB value of approximately 4.0 and favors the formation ofwater-in-oil emulsions. Standardized lecithin includes co-emulsifiershaving HLB values ranging from 10.0 to 24.0, which results in lecithincompositions having HLB values of 7.0 to 12.0 and favoring oil-in-wateremulsions. Any lecithin or combinations of lecithins are suitable foruse in the disclosed compositions and methods regardless of the initialHLB value of the lecithin. Lecithins useful in the disclosedcompositions and methods may comprise co-emulsifiers having ahydrophilic-lipophilic balance value ranging from 10.0 to 24.0, and incertain embodiments 10.0 to 18.0.

The emulsifier and/or surfactant properties of an amphiphilic substancesuch as lecithin, for example, may be predicted at least in part by thehydrophilic-lipophilic balance (“HLB”) value of the substance. The HLBvalue may function as an index of the relative preference of anamphiphilic substance for oil or water—the higher the HLB value, themore hydrophilic the molecule; the lower the HLB value, the morehydrophobic the molecule. A description of HLB values is provided inU.S. Pat. No. 6,677,327, which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety. HLB is also described in Griffin, “Classification ofSurface-Active Agents by ‘HLB,’” J. Soc. Cosmetic Chemists 1 (1949);Griffin, “Calculation of HLB Values of Non-Ionic Surfactants,” J. Soc.Cosmetic Chemists 5 (1954); Davies, “A quantitative kinetic theory ofemulsion type, I. Physical chemistry of the emulsifying agent,”Gas/Liquid and Liquid/Liquid Interfaces, Proceedings of the 2dInternational Congress on Surface Activity (1957); and Schick, “NonionicSurfactants: Physical Chemistry”, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y.,pp. 439-47 (1987), each of which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

In various embodiments, the organic solvent used in the disclosedcompositions and methods may be selected from the group of acidifiersconsisting of a lactic acid, propionic acid, methyl acetic acid, aceticacid, fumaric acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, gluconic acid, gluconicdelta lactone acid, adipic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, a hydroxyacid, salts of any thereof, esters of any thereof, or combinations ofany thereof. In another embodiment, the organic solvent is selected fromlactic acid, sodium lactate, ethyl lactate, or combinations of anythereof. The acidifier may also be a bio-derived acid, an organic acid,or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, a pH of the compositionmay be below 6, below 5, or below 4.

Substances of a bio-derived origin are derived from biological materialsas opposed to being derived from petrochemical sources. Bio-derivedsubstances may be differentiated from petroleum derived substances bytheir carbon isotope ratios using ASTM International RadioisotopeStandard Method D 6866. As used herein, the term “bio-derived” refers tobeing derived from or synthesized by a renewable biological feedstock,such as, for example, an agricultural, forestry, plant, fungal,bacterial, or animal feedstock.

Various agencies have established certification requirements fordetermining bio-derived content. These methods require the measurementof variations in isotopic abundance between bio-derived products andpetroleum derived products, for example, by liquid scintillationcounting, accelerator mass spectrometry, or high precision isotope ratiomass spectrometry. Isotopic ratios of the isotopes of carbon, such asthe ¹³C/¹²C carbon isotopic ratio or the ¹⁴C/¹²C carbon isotopic ratio,can be determined using isotope ratio mass spectrometry with a highdegree of precision. Studies have shown that isotopic fractionation dueto physiological processes, such as, for example, CO₂ transport withinplants during photosynthesis, leads to specific isotopic ratios innatural or bio-derived compounds. Petroleum and petroleum derivedproducts have a different ¹³C/¹²C carbon isotopic ratio due to differentchemical processes and isotopic fractionation during the generation ofpetroleum. In addition, radioactive decay of the unstable ¹⁴C carbonradioisotope leads to different isotope ratios in bio-derived productscompared to petroleum products. Bio-derived content of a product may beverified by ASTM International Radioisotope Standard Method D 6866. ASTMInternational Radioisotope Standard Method D 6866 determines bio-derivedcontent of a material based on the amount of bio-derived carbon in thematerial or product as a percent of the weight (mass) of the totalorganic carbon in the material or product. Bio-derived products willhave a carbon isotope ratio characteristic of a biologically derivedcomposition.

Bio-derived materials offer an attractive alternative for industrialmanufacturers looking to reduce or replace their reliance onpetrochemicals and petroleum derived products. The replacement ofpetrochemicals and petroleum derived products with products and/or feedstocks derived from biological sources (i.e., bio-based products) offermany advantages. For example, products and feed stocks from biologicalsources are typically a renewable resource. In most instances,bio-derived chemicals and products formed therefrom are less burdensomeon the environment than petrochemicals and products formed frompetrochemicals. As the supply of easily extracted petrochemicalscontinues to be depleted, the economics of petrochemical production willlikely force the cost of the petrochemicals and petroleum derivedproducts to be higher compared to bio-based products. In addition,companies may benefit from the marketing advantages associated withbio-derived products from renewable resources in the view of a publicbecoming more concerned with the supply of petrochemicals.

In various embodiments, the disclosed compositions may also comprise oneor more co-surfactants. The one or more co-surfactants may comprise oneor more anionic surfactants, one or more non-ionic surfactants, orcombinations of one or more anionic surfactants and one or morenon-ionic surfactants. In various embodiments, the co-surfactant orco-surfactant combinations may have a hydrophilic-lipophilic balanceranging from 10.0 to 24.0, and in some embodiments from 10.0 to 18.0.

In various embodiments, the lecithin may comprise from 5% to 95% byweight of the disclosed composition, in some embodiments from 60% to90%, and in other embodiments from 30% to 80%; the organic solvent maycomprise from 5% to 60% by weight of the disclosed composition, in someembodiments from 10% to 50%, and in other embodiments from 15% to 55%;and the water may comprise from 5% to 40% by weight of the composition,and in some embodiments from 10% to 30%.

Anionic surfactants suitable for use in the disclosed compositions andmethods include, but are not limited to, sodium and potassium salts ofstraight-chain fatty acids, polyoxyethylenated fatty alcoholcarboxylates, linear alkyl benzene sulfonates, alpha olefin sulfonates,sulfonated fatty acid methyl ester, arylalkanesulfonates, sulfosuccinateesters, alkyldiphenylether(di)sulfonates, alkylnaphthalenesulfonates,isoethionates, alkylether sulfates, sulfonated oils, fatty acidmonoethanolamide sulfates, polyoxyethylene fatty acid monoethanolamidesulfates, aliphatic phosphate esters, nonylphenolphosphate esters,sarcosinates, fluorinated anionics, anionic surfactants derived fromoleochemicals, and combinations of any thereof. In various embodiments,the surfactant comprises an anionic surfactant, such as, for example, aphosphate ester.

Non-ionic surfactants suitable for use in the disclosed compositions andmethods include, but are not limited to, sorbitan monostearate,polyoxyethylene ester of rosin, polyoxyethylene dodecyl mono ether,polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, polyoxyethylenemonolaurate, polyoxyethylene monohexadecyl ether, polyoxyethylenemonooleate, polyoxyethylene mono(cis-9-octadecenyl)ether,polyoxyethylene monostearate, polyoxyethylene monooctadecyl ether,polyoxyethylene dioleate, polyoxyethylene distearate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate,polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan tristearate, polyglycerol ester of oleic acid, polyoxyethylenesorbitol hexastearate, polyoxyethylene monotetradecyl ether,polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate, fatty acids, tall-oil, sorbitolhexaesters, ethoxylated castor oil, ethoxylated soybean oil, rapeseedoil ethoxylate, ethoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylated fatty alcohols,ethoxylated polyoxyethylene sorbitol tetraoleate, glycerol andpolyethylene glycol mixed esters, alcohols, polyglycerol esters,monoglycerides, sucrose esters, alkyl polyglycosides, polysorbates,fatty alkanolamides, polyglycol ethers, derivatives of any thereof, andcombinations of any thereof. In various embodiments, the surfactantcomprises a non-ionic surfactant, such as, for example, a fatty acidethoxylate.

In various embodiments, the disclosed compositions and methods maycomprise lecithin, an organic solvent, and a co-surfactant, such as ananionic surfactant or a non-ionic surfactant. The organic solvent mayhave a dielectric constant of between 2 and 35.

The combination of lecithin and an organic solvent results in acomposition having reduced viscosity as compared to conventionallecithin. The reduction in viscosity increases the applicability of thecomposition as a processing aid, emulsifier, dispersant and/orsurfactant in various applications, such as, for example, in paints,inks, and other coating compositions. Embodiments comprising lecithinand an organic solvent find utility in aqueous systems, where the lowviscosity composition is water dispersible.

In various embodiments, the disclosed water dispersiblelecithin-acidifier compositions find utility in water-based coatings,including, but not limited to, latex paints. In various embodiments, thedisclosed compositions may be used as dispersion vehicles for pigmentsin paint and ink formulations. In various embodiments, the disclosedcompositions aid in pigment processing, including, but not limited to,grinding, milling and release aids, which may contribute to improvedgloss, colorant, and body in pigmented formulations. The low viscosityof the disclosed compositions provides improved coating uniformity topigments and other particulates in dispersions. Thus, the disclosedcompositions provide improved dispersant, wetting agent, and/orstabilizer properties and performance.

In other embodiments, the disclosed compositions may be used in magneticfluid applications. In one embodiment, the disclosed compositions may beused to stabilize magnetic particles in a solvent base, including, butnot limited oil, a mixture of a base oil and an ester compound. Theimproved wetting and dispersant properties of the disclosed compositionsresult in reduced agglomeration of the suspended particles in magneticfluids without resulting in adverse effects on the viscosity of thefluid.

The disclosed compositions may also be used in nanotechnologyapplications. In one embodiment, the disclosed compositions may be usedas dispersant wetting agent, solubilizer, and/or stabilizer innanoparticle suspensions. Additional applications for the disclosedcompositions and methods include, but are not limited to, use infiberglass, concrete, ceramics, plastics, and composites. Additionaluses of the disclosed compositions include, but are not limited to, usesas textile auxiliary agents, leather finishing agents, plasticcompounding agents, lubricants, oilfield drilling additives, emollients,film-formers, and mold release agents.

In addition to the multiple functionalities of the disclosedcompositions as a dispersant, wetting agent, solubilizer, and/orstabilizer in various applications, the disclosed compositions alsocontain low or no volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”). Low VOC paints,inks, and other surface coatings may use water as a carrier instead ofpetroleum-based solvents. As such, the levels of harmful emissions arelower than solvent-borne surface coatings. However, dispersion ofpigments and other colorants may be more difficult in aqueous-basedcoating systems as compared to petroleum-based systems. The disclosedcompositions, therefore, may be used in low VOC coating formulations toimprove pigment and colorant dispersion without contributing undesirableVOCs to the compositions.

In order to meet EPA standards, paints, inks and other surface coatingsmust not contain VOCs in excess of 200 grams per liter. Generally, lowVOC surface coatings usually meet a 50 g/L VOC threshold. For example,paints with the Green Seal Standard (GS-11) mark are certified lowerthan 50 g/L (for flat sheen) or 150 g/L (for non-flat sheen). Surfacecoatings containing VOCs in the range of 5 g/L or less according to theEPA Reference Test Method 24 may be called “Zero VOC.”

In various embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein have less than25 grams of VOCs per liter of composition. In various embodiments, thecompositions disclosed herein have VOC levels of less than 5 g/L, lessthan 1 g/L, or less than 0.5 g/L. In various embodiments, thecompositions disclosed herein may be used as low-VOC bio-deriveddispersants, wetting agents, solubilizers, and/or stabilizers.

In another embodiment, the compositions of the present invention may befood grade and include a food grade surfactant such as, for example, apolysorbate.

The embodiments disclosed herein are also directed to methods ofpreparing the disclosed compositions. In various embodiments, lecithinis heated to a temperature above ambient temperature, an organic solventis added to the lecithin at the elevated temperature, and the organicsolvent and lecithin are mixed together to form a lecithin-organicsolvent blend. The blend is cooled to ambient temperature. The resultingblend has a viscosity lower than the lecithin ingredient alone, whichmay be less than 3000 cP. In various embodiments, the viscosity of thelecithin-organic solvent blend may be less than 2000 cP, less than 500cP, or less than 100 cP. In various other embodiments, one or moreco-surfactants may be added to the lecithin either before orsimultaneously with one or more organic solvents. The one or moreco-surfactants may alternatively be added to the blend of the lecithinand the one or more organic solvents.

The embodiments disclosed herein are also directed to methods of usingthe disclosed compositions. In various embodiments, the disclosedcompositions are used to aid in the dispersion or wetting of aningredient in a formulation such as, for example, concrete, ceramic,fiberglass, plastic, ink, paint, or other coating. The disclosedcompositions are mixed into the formulation to disperse or wet at leastone ingredient, such as, for example, a pigment. In various embodiments,the disclosed compositions comprise low-VOC bio-derived additives foruse in a variety of formulations.

As described herein, the disclosed compositions are suitable forformulating solvent and water based paints, inks, and other coatingsystems. The amphiphilic properties of the disclosed compositions allowsfor their use as good wetting and stabilizing agents for organicpigments, inorganic pigments, carbon black, or titanium dioxide. Thedisclosed compositions are also suitable for a wide variety of pigmentconcentrates. In various embodiments, as illustrated herein, thedisclosed compositions are added as a grinding aid in pigment dispersionprocesses during formulation of paints, inks and other coating systems.

In various embodiments, as illustrated herein, the disclosedcompositions may function as low-VOC dispersants exhibiting low-grindviscosity, high pigment load, low foam, high color development, and fastdispersion/wetting. In various embodiments, the disclosed compositionsmay comprise an emulsifier blend free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates.

EXAMPLES

The following exemplary, non-limiting examples are provided to furtherdescribe the embodiments presented herein. Those having ordinary skillin the art will appreciate that variations of these Examples arepossible within the scope of the invention.

Example 1

This example describes a method of making a lecithin concentrate that iswater dispersible. A lecithin-cosurfactant blend was prepared by mixing:lecithin (available from Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of, Decatur,Ill.) in an amount of 73 percent by weight; tall fatty acid ethoxylate(available from Stepan, Northfield, Ill.) in an amount of 20 percent byweight; and soy fatty acid in an amount of 7 percent by weight. Thecomponents were mixed at 50° C. under constant stirring for between 30minutes to 60 minutes, thus producing an amber, transparentlecithin-cosurfactant blend.

Example 2

The lecithin-cosurfactant blend from Example 1 was mixed in an amount of65 percent by weight with lactic acid of 88% strength (available fromArcher-Daniels-Midland Company of, Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 35percent by weight, at room temperature with constant stirring for thirtyminutes to obtain a clear system that easily forms a stable milkydispersion in water.

Example 3

The blend from Example 1 was mixed in an amount of 65 percent by weightwith ethyl lactate (available from Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of,Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 4 percent by weight, followed by theaddition of water in an amount of 7 percent by weight at roomtemperature with constant stirring for thirty minutes to obtain a clearsystem that easily forms a stable milky dispersion in water. The pH ofthis blend is 2.0.

Example 4

The lecithin-cosurfactant blend from Example 1 was mixed in an amount of58 percent by weight with sodium lactate of 60% strength (available fromArcher-Daniels-Midland Company of, Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 22percent by weight, followed by 9% lactic acid of 88% strength (availablefrom Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of, Decatur, Ill.). To this blend,ethyl lactate (available from Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of,Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 4 percent by weight, followed by theaddition of water in an amount of 7 percent by weight at roomtemperature with constant stirring for thirty minutes to obtain a clearsystem that easily forms a stable milky dispersion in water. The pH ofthis blend is 4.5. The composition produced by this Example is referredto as DISP. A.

Example 5

The lecithin-cosurfactant blend from Example 1 was mixed in an amount of56 percent by weight with sodium lactate of 60% strength (available fromArcher-Daniels-Midland Company of, Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 22percent by weight, followed by 9% lactic acid of 88% strength (availablefrom Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of, Decatur, Ill.). To this blend,ethyl lactate (available from Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of,Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 4 percent by weight, followed by theaddition of Tergitol L-62, a polyether polyol, nonionic surfactanthaving an HLB value of about 7, (available from DOW Chemical Company,Midland, Mich.) in an amount of 9 percent by weight at room temperaturewith constant stirring for thirty minutes to obtain a clear system thateasily forms a stable milky dispersion in water. The pH of this blend is4.5.

Example 6

The lecithin-cosurfactant blend from Example 1 was mixed in an amount of56 percent by weight with sodium lactate of 60% strength (available fromArcher-Daniels-Midland Company of, Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 22percent by weight, followed by 9% lactic acid of 88% strength (availablefrom Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of, Decatur, Ill.). To this blend,ethyl lactate (available from Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of,Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 4 percent by weight, followed by theaddition of propylene glycol (available from Archer-Daniels-MidlandCompany of, Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 9 percent by weight at roomtemperature with constant stirring for thirty minutes to obtain a clearsystem that easily forms a stable milky dispersion in water. The pH ofthis blend is at 4.5.

Example 7

This Example describes a method of making a lecithin concentrate that iswater dispersible. A lecithin-cosurfactant blend was prepared by mixing:lecithin (available from Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of, Decatur,Ill.) in an amount of 73 percent by weight; a blend of Polyoxyethylene(20) monooleate, Polysorbate 80 (available from BASF, Florham, N.J.) inan amount of 20 percent by weight; and soy fatty acid in an amount of 7percent by weight. The components were mixed at 50° C. under constantstirring for between 30 minutes to 60 minutes, thus producing an amber,transparent lecithin-cosurfactant blend.

Example 8

The lecithin-cosurfactant blend from Example 7 was mixed in an amount of58 percent by weight with sodium lactate of 60% strength (available fromArcher-Daniels-Midland Company of, Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 22percent by weight, followed by 9% lactic acid of 88% strength (availablefrom Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of, Decatur, Ill.). To this blend,ethyl lactate (available from Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of,Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 4 percent by weight, followed by theaddition of water in an amount of 7 percent by weight at roomtemperature with constant stirring for thirty minutes to obtain a clearsystem that easily forms a stable milky dispersion in water. The pH ofthis blend is 4.5. The composition of this Example is referred to asDISP. B and is food grade.

Example 9

Pigment dispersions were prepared according to formulations shown onTable 1. The composition produced in Example 4, referred to herein asDISP. A, was compared to DISP. R (produced in accordance with Example 8of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/993,282, filed Nov. 18, 2010) asa standard or reference. Pigments were ground using cowles blade andglass beads to simulate bead mill for 45 minutes at 1300 rpm. Colordevelopment was evaluated at 1% pigmentation with Sherwin-Williams Glossblue tint base. Paint mixtures were applied on white Leneta paper anddried overnight under normal laboratory condition. Color properties weredetermined by Spectro-guide.

TABLE 1 Formulations of DISP. A and the reference DISP. R. DISP. A Trial1 Trial 2 DISP. R Grind Water 69.00 69.00 69.00 DISP. R 18.00 DISP. A18.00 18.00 Tergitol L-62 7.50 5.00 7.50 AMP-95 2.25 2.25 2.25 Byk 0241.50 1.50 1.50 Hostaperm Yellow H3G 45.00 45.00 45.00 (% Pigment =30.00%) Add after pigment grind Water 6.75 9.25 6.75 Total 150.00 150.00150.00

Table 2 shows the pigment dispersion and paint film properties.Replacing DISP. R with DISP. A (Trial 1) increased the paint film glosswith a very minimal increase in color development as shown by increasedcolor strength, but very minimal color difference (ΔE*). However, thepigment dispersion of DISP. A showed some foam development as shown byDISP. A's lower density than DISP. R. Reducing the amount of TergitolL-62 by 33% (Trial 2) decreased the paint film gloss, and resulted in avery minimal increase in color development as shown by increased colorstrength, but very minimal difference in color (ΔE*). However, thepigment dispersion of Trial 2 showed more foam development as shown byTrial 2's lower density than Trial 1 and DISP. R as shown in FIG. 1.

TABLE 2 Paint film properties of DISP. A and the reference DISP. R.DISP. A Trial 1 Trial 2 DISP. R Dispersion Properties Brookfield Visco(p) 0.446 0.413 0.467 Density (#/gal) 8.94 8.81 9.09 Fineness of Grind 00 0 (FOG) μ Paint Film Properties L* = 100 82.77 82.77 82.83 (lightness)−a* (greenness) −18.06 −18.60 −18.08 +b*(yellowness) 22.14 22.10 22.13ΔE* 0.06 0.06 Std Gloss 40.10 37.90 39.10 Color Strength 100.20 100.18100.00% ΔE* = {square root over ((ΔL)² + (Δa)² + (Δb)²)}

A graphical presentation of the paint film properties is shown in FIG. 2and the color is shown in FIG. 3.

The DISP. A dispersant showed equal color development as DISP. R andhaving a little increase in gloss.

Example 10

The pigment dispersions of Example 9 (DISP. A Trials 1 and 2, and DISP.R) and the commercially available dispersant, Disperbyk from BYK, USA,were mixed with Sherwin-Williams Gloss blue tint base for colordevelopment and applied on white Leneta paper and dried overnight underlaboratory conditions. Color properties were determined bySpectro-guide.

Table 3 shows the CIELab comparison of DISP. A (Trial 1) and DISP. Rwith Disperbyk that were applied on the same day and the colorcomparisons are shown in FIG. 4. Table 4 shows the CIELab of DISP. A(Trial 1) in comparison with DISP. R and Disperbyk. From the b* valuesthat in Tables 3 and 4, there was not much color difference between theDISP. A, DISP. R, and Disperbyk dispersants.

TABLE 3 CIELab Comparison. DISP. A Trial 1 DISP. R Disperbyk L* 82.8783.02 82.94 a* −18.15 −18.16 −18.19 b* 22.25 22.26 22.38 ΔE* 0.17 0.24Standard

TABLE 4 CIELab Comparison. DISP. A Trial 1 DISP. R Disperbyk L* 82.5782.93 82.91 a* −18.15 −18.14 −18.15 b* 22.25 22.34 22.36 ΔE* 0.12 0.02Standard

Example 11

Pigment dispersions were prepared according to the formulations of Table5. DISP. A was evaluated and compared to DISP. N (produced in accordancewith Example 4 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/993,282, filedNov. 18, 2010) as a standard. Pigments were ground using cowles bladeand glass beads to simulate bead mill for 45 minutes at 1200 rpm. Colordevelopment was evaluated at 1% pigmentation with Sherwin-Williams GlossWhite Base. Paint mixtures were applied on white Leneta paper and driedovernight under normal laboratory condition. Color properties weredetermined by Spectro-guide.

TABLE 5 Standard DISP. A DISP. N Grind Water 62.10 62.10 DISP. N — 18.40DISP. A 18.40 — Tergitol L-62 4.60 9.20 Dreplus L-475 2.30 2.30Bayferrox 130M 138.00 (61.22%) 138.00 (60.00%) (% Pigment) Add afterpigment grind Water — — Total 225.40 230.00

Table 6 shows the pigment dispersion and paint film properties. Reducingthe amount of Tergitol L-62 by 50% in the DISP. A formulation decreasedthe foam development in the dispersion as shown by its high density andlow viscosity (FIG. 5). The color development for DISP. A was slightlyimproved as compared to DISP. N as shown by the CIELab L* and +b* valuesand color strength, and the gloss of the paint having DISP. A wasimproved as compared to DISP. N.

TABLE 6 DISP. A DISP. N Brookfield Visco (p) 0.458 0.825 Density (#/gal)16.85 16.18 Fineness of Grind 10 10 (FOG) μ L* (=100 lighter) 72.3572.52 +a* (redness) 16.77 16.61 +b*(yellowness 5.73 5.66 ΔE* 0.25Standard Gloss 41.7 40.6 Color Strength 100.67% 100.00%

A graphical presentation of the paint film properties is shown in FIG. 5and the color is shown in FIG. 6.

Example 12

Pigment dispersions were mixed with Sherwin-Williams Gloss white basefor color development using DISP. A, DISP. N, Nuosperse, and Disperbykwere applied on white Leneta paper and dried overnight under laboratorycondition. Color properties were determined by Spectro-guide.

Table 7 shows the CIELab comparison of DISP. A and DISP. N in comparisonwith the commercially available dispersants Nuosperse and Disperbyk fromBYK, USA, and color comparisons are shown in FIG. 7. Table 8 shows theCIELab of Lactic Blend B in comparison with DISP. N, Nuosperse, andDisperbyk. From the CIELab a* value, Lactic Blend B was comparable withNuosperse and Disperbyk.

TABLE 7 DISP. A DISP. N Nuosperse Disperbyk L* 72.24 72.43 72.08 71.82a* 16.62 16.43 16.59 16.70 b* 5.33 5.57 5.43 5.52 ΔE* 0.46 0.69 0.28Standard ΔE* 0.17 0.40 Standard 0.28

TABLE 8 DISP. A DISP. N Nuosperse Disperbyk L* 72.24 71.50 72.22 72.15a* 16.62 17.31 16.72 16.70 b* 5.33 6.09 5.48 5.42 ΔE* 0.10 1.47 0.07Standard ΔE* 0.05 1.44 Standard 0.07

Example 13

Pigment dispersions were prepared according to the formulations of Table9. DISP. A was evaluated with DISP. R as a standard. Pigments wereground using cowles blade and glass beads to simulate bead mill for 45minutes at 1300 rpm. Color development was evaluated at 1.56%pigmentation with Sherwin-Williams Gloss white base. Paint mixtures wereapplied on white Leneta paper and color properties were determined bySpectro-guide.

TABLE 9 Standard DISP. A DISP. R Blend to disperse Water 69.00 69.00DISP. R 18.00 DISP. A 18.00 Tergitol L-62 7.50 7.50 AMP-95 2.25 2.25 Byk024 1.50 1.50 Hostaperm Green GNX 45.00 45.00 (% Pigment = 31.41%) Addafter pigment dispersion Water — — Total 143.25 143.25

DISP. A was compared to DISP. R. 6.75 g of water was withheld in bothformulations. DISP. A showed less foam development during grinding thanDISP. R as shown by higher viscosity and density compared with DISP. R,and DISP. A showed an increase in gloss and comparable color developmentas compared to DISP. R as shown in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Standard DISP. A DISP. R Brookfield Visco (p) 0.529 0.350Density (#/gal) 10.17 9.71 Fineness of Grind 0 0 (FOG) μ L* (=100lightness) 67.96 67.96 −a* (greenness) −43.30 −43.69 +b*(yellowness)1.07 1.00 ΔE* 0.39 Standard Gloss 37.90 35.90 Color Strength 99.95100.00%

A graphical presentation of the paint film properties are shown in FIG.8 and the color is shown in FIG. 9.

Example 14

Pigment dispersions that were mixed with Sherwin-Williams Extra WhiteGloss base for color development included DISP. A (Trial 5), DISP. R,and Disperbyk. The different pigment dispersions were applied on whiteLeneta paper and dried overnight under laboratory condition. Colorproperties were determined by Spectro-guide.

Table 11 shows the CIELab comparison of DISP. A, DISP. R, and Disperbyk.The color comparisons are shown in FIG. 10. Table 12 shows the CIELabcomparison of DISP. A with Disperbyk and DISP. R, and color comparisonsare shown in FIG. 11.

TABLE 11 DISP. A Trial 5 DISP. R DISP. R Disperbyk L* 43.57 43.83 43.9052.27 a* −0.59 −0.59 −0.66 −0.83 b* −2.59 −2.44 −2.58 −2.18 ΔE* 8.938.57 8.56 Standard

TABLE 12 DISP. A Trial 5 DISP. R Disperbyk L* 43.57 44.19 46.11 a* −0.59−0.55 −0.65 b* −2.59 −2.41 −2.48 ΔE* 2.56 1.94 Standard

From the CIELab L* values in Tables 11 and 12, DISP. A showed bettercolor development than Disperbyk (the lower the value, the darker thecolor). Disperbyk showed color instability on storage at roomtemperature. This is shown on the change of color as shown in FIG. 11.FIG. 12 shows the graphical comparison of the L* values.

Example 15 Dispersion of Pigment Black

Pigment dispersions were prepared according to formulations of Table 13.Various trials were made to compare to the standard DISP. R formulation.Pigments were ground using cowles blade and glass beads to simulate beadmill for 60 minutes at 1200 rpm. Color development was evaluated at 1%pigmentation with Sherwin-Williams Gloss white base. Paint mixtures wereapplied on white Leneta paper and dried overnight under normallaboratory condition. Color properties were determined by Spectro-guide.

TABLE 13 Formulations of DISP. A and the reference DISP. R. DISP. ATrial 5 DISP. R Blend to disperse Water 78.00 78.00 DISP. R — 17.70DISP. A 17.70 — Tergitol L-62 15.00 15.00 AMP-95 2.60 1.20 DrewplusL-475 2.40 Byk 021 1.45 Monarch 1100 30.00 (20.00) 35.70 (23.80) (%Pigment) Water 5.25 — Total 150.00 150.00

A lb-lb substitution of DISP. R with DISP. A in the standard formulationshowed an increase in viscosity during grinding, development of excessfoam, and lighter color development. Several trials on reduction ofTergitol L-62 or increasing DISP. A did not decrease the foam formationand improve the color development. Replacing the defoamer Drewplus L475with Byk 021 (Trial 4) improved the color development, however, theviscosity of the millbase increased after 60 minutes of grinding, butwas still able to be filtered. Decreasing the pigmentation to about 20%(Trial 5) improved the foaming property. There was no increase in millbase viscosity in the entire 60 minutes pf grinding and colordevelopment was better than DISP. R.

Table 14 shows the dispersion and paint film properties. DISP. A (Trial5) showed lower viscosity, better color development and higher colorstrength as shown by the CIELab values.

TABLE 14 Paint film properties of DISP. A and the reference DISP. R.DISP. A Trial 5 DISP. R Brookfield Visco (p) 0.417 0.579 Density (#/gal)8.93 8.90 Fineness of Grind 5 5 (FOG) μ L* = 0 (darkness) 43.42 43.81−a* (greenness) −0.58 −0.59 −b*(blueness) −2.52 −2.37 ΔE* 0.41 StandardGloss 36.50 37.20 Color Strength 101.82 100.00%

A graphical representation of the paint film properties is shown in FIG.13 and color is shown in FIG. 14.

The DISP. A dispersant showed better color development than DISP. R,even at a lower pigment loading. DISP. A also improved foam development.

Example 16 Dispersion of Titanium Dioxide

Pigment dispersions were prepared according to the formulations of Table15. DISP. A was evaluated with DISP. N as a standard. Pigments weredispersed under high speed dispersion for 45 minutes at 1600 rpm. Colordevelopment was evaluated at 1.5% in Sherwin-Williams Gloss Blue TintBase. Paint mixtures were applied on white Leneta paper and driedovernight under normal laboratory condition. Color properties weredetermined by Spectro-guide.

TABLE 15 Formulations of DISP. A and the reference DISP. N. DISP. ADISP. N Blend to disperse Water 53.66 53.66 DISP. N — 21.60 DISP. A21.60 — Tergitol L-62 7.21 7.21 Byk 021 3.60 3.60 Titanium Dioxide252.00 (74.54%) 252.00 (73.43%) R902P (% Pigment) Water — 5.11 Total338.07 343.18

A lb-lb substitution of DISP. N with DISP. A in the White dispersionformulation was evaluated. No additional water was added to the sampleafter addition of the pigment since the millbase viscosity was alreadylow, thus increasing the pigmentation by at least 1%. Table 16 shows thedispersion and paint film properties. Both dispersants showed gooddispersing property as shown by the Fineness of Grind and colordevelopment with a very minimal color difference. Pigment dispersionwith DISP. A resulted in lower viscosity, slightly higher pigmentloading, and minimal foam development as shown by its high density.

TABLE 16 Paint film properties of DISP. A and the reference DISP. N.DISP. A DISP. N Dispersion Properties Density (#/gal) 18.95 18.02Fineness of Grind 0 0 (FOG) μ Viscosity @ 30 rpm 3563 3861 (cps) PaintFilm Properties L* (=100 lightness) 86.57 86.61 −a* (greenness) −11.81−11.79 −b*(blueness) −10.78 −10.75 ΔE* 0.04 Standard Gloss 39.30 40.80Color Strength 100.11% 100.00%

A graphical representation of the paint film properties is shown in FIG.15 and color is shown in FIG. 16.

DISP. A dispersant showed equal color development with DISP. N,decreased foam development of the millibase, and increased pigmentloading.

Example 17

The following Table 17 shows the effect of DISP. B being effective inincreasing the pigment loading, while being able to lower viscosity andnot compromising color. As shown by the Standard DISP. R, the pigmentloading is very limited and an upper limit is reached with respect toviscosity. With DISP. B, a good synergy is seen with dispersing actionand pigment loading where pigment loading may even reach 42%. Similarresults were obtained with organic pigments.

TABLE 17 DISP. R/ DISP. B DISP. R DISP. B Blend to disperse Water 42.1452.7 41.19 DISP. R — 11 7.14 DISP. B 11.6 4.74 Tergitol L-62 2.1 5.82.62 AMP-95 1.3 0.75 1.3 Byk 021 1.05 0.75 1.04 Pigment Blue (15:3) 41.829 41.98 Lansco 5576 C Total 100 100 100

This disclosure has been described with reference to certain exemplaryembodiments, compositions and uses thereof. However, it will berecognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that varioussubstitutions, modifications or combinations of any of the exemplaryembodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited by the descriptionof the exemplary embodiments, but rather by the appended claims asoriginally filed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising: a nano-dispersioncomprising: 70-95% by weight of the nano-dispersion of a lecithin or alecithin-cosurfactant blend; an acid; an ester of the acid; and water;wherein the nano-dispersion has a particle size of less than one micron;wherein the nano-dispersion has a pH below 6; wherein thenano-dispersion has a viscosity of less than 1500 centipoise at ambienttemperature; a defoamer; and a pigment, a colorant, or a combinationthereof dispersed in the composition.
 2. The composition of claim 1,wherein the acid is an organic acid.
 3. The composition of claim 1,wherein the acid is selected from the lactic acid, ethyl lactate, sodiumlactate, and combinations of any thereof.
 4. The composition of claim 1,wherein the acid is selected from the group consisting of lactic acid,propionic acid, methyl acetic acid, acetic acid, fumaric acid, citricacid, ascorbic acid, gluconic acid, gluconic delta lactone acid, adipicacid, malic acid, tartaric acid, a hydroxyl acid, salts of any thereof,and combinations of any thereof.
 5. The composition of claim 2, whereinthe lecithin is selected from the group consisting of crude filteredlecithin, de-oiled lecithin, chemically modified lecithin, enzymaticallymodified lecithin, standardized lecithin, and combinations of anythereof.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nano-dispersioncomprises: the acid from 10% to 50% by weight of the nano-dispersion;and the water from 10% to 30% by weight of the nano-dispersion.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 1, comprising less than 25 g/L of volatile organiccompounds.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the co-surfactant isselected from the group consisting of an anionic surfactant, a non-ionicsurfactant and combinations of any thereof.
 9. The composition of claim8, wherein the surfactant has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance ofbetween 10.0 and 24.0.
 10. The composition of claim 8, wherein thenon-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sorbitanmonostearate, polyoxyethylene ester of rosin, polyoxyethylene dodecylmono ether, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer,polyoxyethylene monolaurate, polyoxyethylene monohexadecyl ether,polyoxyethylene monooleate, polyoxyethylenemono(cis-9-octadecenyl)ether, polyoxyethylene monostearate,polyoxyethylene monooctadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene dioleate,polyoxyethylene distearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolauratepolyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate, polyglycerolester of oleic acid, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexastearate,polyoxyethylene monotetradecyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitolhexaoleate, fatty acids, tall-oil, sorbitol hexaesters, ethoxylatedcastor oil, ethoxylated soybean oil, rapeseed oil ethoxylate,ethoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylatedpolyoxyethylene sorbitol tetraoleate, glycerol and polyethylene glycolmixed esters, alcohols, polyglycerol esters, monoglycerides, sucroseesters, alkyl polyglycosides, polysorbates, fatty alkanolamides,polyglycol ethers, derivatives of any thereof, and combinations of anythereof.
 11. The composition of claim 8, wherein the anionic surfactantis selected from the group consisting of sodium and potassium salts ofstraight-chain fatty acids, polyoxyethylenated fatty alcoholcarboxylates, linear alkyl benzene sulfonates, alpha olefin sulfonates,sulfonated fatty acid methyl ester, arylalkanesulfonates, sulfosuccinateesters, alkyldiphenylether(di)sulfonates, alkylnaphthalenesulfonates,isoethionates, alkylether sulfates, sulfonated oils, fatty acidmonoethanolamide sulfates, polyoxyethylene fatty acid monoethanolamidesulfates, aliphatic phosphate esters, nonylphenolphosphate esters,fluorinated anionics, and combinations of any thereof.
 12. Thecomposition of claim 1, further comprising propylene glycol.
 13. A latexpaint comprising: a nano-emulsion comprising: an organic acid; an esterof the organic acid; 70-95% by weight of the nano-emulsion of a lecithinor a lecithin-cosurfactant blend; and water; wherein the nano-emulsionhas a particle size of less than one micron; wherein the nano-emulsionhas a pH below 5; a pigment, a colorant, or a combination thereof; and adefoamer.
 14. The latex paint of claim 13, wherein the organic solventis selected from the group of acidifiers consisting of a lactic acid,propionic acid, methyl acetic acid, acetic acid, fumaric acid, citricacid, ascorbic acid, gluconic acid, gluconic delta lactone acid, adipicacid, malic acid, tartaric acid, a hydroxy acid, salts of any thereof,and combinations of any thereof.
 15. The latex paint of claim 13,wherein the lecithin is selected from the group consisting of crudefiltered lecithin, de-oiled lecithin, chemically modified lecithin,enzymatically modified lecithin, standardized lecithin, and combinationsof any thereof.
 16. A method of dispersing a compound in a solution, themethod comprising: mixing lecithin with a cosurfactant at a temperatureabove ambient temperature, thus forming a lecithin-cosurfactant blend;mixing the lecithin-cosurfactant blend with an ester of acid and water,thus forming a nano-dispersion comprising 70-95% by weight of thelecithin-cosurfactant blend; mixing the nano-dispersion with thecompound in the solution; wherein the nano-dispersion has a particlesize of less than one micron; wherein the nano-dispersion has a pH ofbelow 6; wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of amagnetic particle, a pigment, a colorant, or a combination thereof. 17.The method of claim 16, wherein the nano-dispersion further comprises anorganic solvent selected from the group of acidifiers consisting of alactic acid, propionic acid, methyl acetic acid, acetic acid, fumaricacid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, gluconic acid, gluconic delta lactoneacid, adipic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, a hydroxy acid, salts ofany thereof, and combinations of any thereof.
 18. The method of claim16, wherein the compound is the pigment, further comprising grinding thepigment.